Samantha77
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Spring 2025
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It is a well known fact that all the snorers in the world congregate on the Camino Frances in the season so that they can compete for the "MISA", "Most Impressive Snorer Award".
Hello again,
I'm planning my walk with a friend but incase she can't join me I'm wondering if I should prebook all accommodation and/or pay for an organised trip.
I will be walking for 5 weeks.
Thank you in advance
I walked this route alone-- was nervous at first but soon realized that I needn't be. I did not book ahead, but that was in October. May might be a bit more busy. You will likely get a feel for how much places are filling up in your first few days. It might be worth booking your first night or two and then deciding. I liked the flexibility of just walking until I was ready to stop-- always found a bed without any hassle. You will also get a feel, over that first week, of your pace etc. which will help you if you do decide to book ahead. There really is no wrong way to do it. No need for a group, I don't think. There's always someone to walk with if you want. Buen camino, and congratulations on taking a big step out of your comfort zone. It's a big deal. Know that there are so many of us with you in spirit.This is really helpful.
I don't want to pre book or have to comply to an organised trip.
I have never done this before and feeling a bit nervous.
I am on a timescale due to work restrictions but I also want to enjoy the experience and be able to take a break.
I'm walking in May, so hopefully accommodation will be available when I get there. Apparently I snore (?) So for the wellbeing of other Pilgrims, I'm happy to pay more for a single room, if that's even an option. Otherwise, I will bring multiple packs of foam ear buds
Thank you for taking the time to write this. I'm feeling much more confident nowSome very good advice already.
On the subject of booking......
You will find many here who have walked a few Caminos will try to suggest that pre-booking is not a good thing. I am one of those too
The reason is quite simple. In your case you plan to walk for about 5 weeks.
If you pre-book all your accommodation (or go with a tour group), you now have a strict schedule to walk to. I would suggest it would be almost impossible to maintain, without resorting to taxis/busses or having to walk faster or slower that you feel comfortable doing.
The reasons are quite simply, that things happen along the way. Unforeseen things, that make keeping to a schedule very hard.
I think often, that those who pre-book their whole Camino or join a tour group do so out of fear. Fear of the unknown. And I don't mean that as a criticism. I was a bit the same first time! After all, it's quite a thing to undertake for most of us! Certainly the first time.
- We find it easier than planned and get frustrated that we have to stop early in the day because of booked accommodation.
- Or we find it harder than planned and have to 'catch' up using buses / taxis.
- Or we meet others with whom we 'bond' and want to walk where they are walking to, not to where we have booked.
- Or we get tired / injured and need a rest day, but there is really no way to know when you might need that rest day.
We wonder how we will cope, and booking everything before hand gives us a sense of security. It's quite natural. But that rigid schedule we book ourselves into can have a detrimental effect on our enjoyment and experience of the Camino.
There are those for whom pre-booking or joining a tour group makes sense of course. Some need a degree of 'support' due to age or health. Or maybe they have never travelled on their own before, and just can't image 'winging it'. Actually as I think back, the only time I ever travelled alone before, prior to a Camino.......other than a business trip..........was.........never
Don't get me wrong, planning and preparation are a good thing. It gives us confidence. On my last 60 day Camino for example I planned each day. And allowed some rest days. This gave me an idea of how long the whole thing would take, to allow booking of flights. And it gave me an idea of what villages and towns I 'might' stay in. And accommodation that I might enjoy staying in. Did that 'plan' work? No. It was merely a planning tool.
I actually met people along the way and changed where I planned to stay many times.
I grew stronger and enjoyed walking longer distances than planned, so was a couple of days ahead of the 'plan'.
And other than the first few days, to get me started, (and knowing that I had a bed waiting for me), I only booked a day ahead. And in quite a few cases not at all. If staying in a Donativo Albergue for example, as most won't take bookings.
When setting out on your first Camino, it can be very hard, and a bit nerve wracking, to do so with minimal bookings made. But after the first couple of days you'll understand why it works. And the sense of freedom it allows you is quite magical.
Even walking with my wife Pat (a bit of a princess), who needs to know where she is sleeping the next day, we would make it an evening ritual to scan the accommodation options a day or two ahead.
"If we are walking to X tomorrow, where shall we go after that"? And then we'd compare notes and book something. It was really just a 5 minute task each evening.
I've just met too many stressed Pilgrims trying to keep to a previously booked 'schedule'.
Hopefully others, who have booked the whole thing ahead will chime in with a different perspective to give my comments some 'balance'. One way or the other
But whatever...........you do what makes you comfortable. We can only arm you with information and our own personal perspectives and experiences to help you decide.........
Thank you so much.I walked this route alone-- was nervous at first but soon realized that I needn't be. I did not book ahead, but that was in October. May might be a bit more busy. You will likely get a feel for how much places are filling up in your first few days. It might be worth booking your first night or two and then deciding. I liked the flexibility of just walking until I was ready to stop-- always found a bed without any hassle. You will also get a feel, over that first week, of your pace etc. which will help you if you do decide to book ahead. There really is no wrong way to do it. No need for a group, I don't think. There's always someone to walk with if you want. Buen camino, and congratulations on taking a big step out of your comfort zone. It's a big deal. Know that there are so many of us with you in spirit.
I started walking September 1st. I’m STILL walking. LOL. And I’m doing it alone. There are a ton of lone women walkers. Yet other pilgrims are usually within earshot. You’ll make friends and then say goodbye only to meet up again in another town. I’m doing it MY way and on MY schedule. I’m glad I chose to do it alone the first time. I think my husband is doing the next one with me.Hello again,
I'm planning my walk with a friend but incase she can't join me I'm wondering if I should prebook all accommodation and/or pay for an organised trip.
I will be walking for 5 weeks.
Thank you in advance
I walked solo as did several females I met. Some booked in advance but most did not. I did a hybrid of starting out a day in advance then as things became crowded 5 days in advance. Others only booked one day in advance and were fine bHello again,
I'm planning my walk with a friend but incase she can't join me I'm wondering if I should prebook all accommodation and/or pay for an organised trip.
I will be walking for 5 weeks.
Thank you in advance
I booked in advance from New Zealand many weeks ago because I heard that the Camino is very busy at this time. I am happy because it allows me to use the transport service (€6 cash per day in the envelope) to take my pack. However now that I am here (on day 13), I find that there are beds available every night in almost every albergue I hike past. The peak of the season has just passed. You will have no trouble finding a place for the night.Hello again,
I'm planning my walk with a friend but incase she can't join me I'm wondering if I should prebook all accommodation and/or pay for an organised trip.
I will be walking for 5 weeks.
Thank you in advance
If you are walking from SJPP, then I would suggest that you decide whether you want to walk to Roncesvalles in one go or two. If the latter, then you need either 2 nights in SJPP unless Orisson has private rooms. Orisson gets booked up quickly, SJPP is of course very popular as a starting place.Thank you so much.
I'm nervous but very excited.
I think I will book my first night then be brave and see what comes
Generally no need to prebook ( Sarria to SdC a possible exception). I'm at Melide now and after one day problem (one albergue closed, next two full) I 'm now booking the day before . Not booking does give you more flexibility but it it will be a worry for you - prebook.Hello again,
I'm planning my walk with a friend but incase she can't join me I'm wondering if I should prebook all accommodation and/or pay for an organised trip.
I will be walking for 5 weeks.
Thank you in advance
I managed to end up with three contestants to the award in Villefrancha del bierzo almost 2 weeks ago. It was actually quite impressive. Me and two others gave up around 04.00 after being awake for two hours and went outside to get ready to walk.@Samantha77, If you would prefer a single room then a little pre-booking, and some research, is going to be necessary. While there is plenty of Albergue / Bunk-room accommodation along the Frances single room / private facility sort of stuff does come at a bit of a premium. https://www.gronze.com/camino-frances is a great resource for seeing the range of accommodations available along the Frances and you have time to consider what your daily stages might be and where you might lie your "quiet" head. A big bag of ear buds might make you some friends should you find yourself in an Albergue. You may also find you'll need them for your own peace and quiet. It is a well known fact that all the snorers in the world congregate on the Camino Frances in the season so that they can compete for the "MISA", "Most Impressive Snorer Award".
I too had a friend that began the trip…but we had our own speeds. Reserve up to and including roncevalles . Then try reserving night after … most albergues don’t take reservations . After that trust that the Camino provides. Try not to go to the first albergue you come across because you are merely an anonymous number. Try to go to the ones in the following villages…they are more attentive. The donativo are the best if you relish communal experienceHello again,
I'm planning my walk with a friend but incase she can't join me I'm wondering if I should prebook all accommodation and/or pay for an organised trip.
I will be walking for 5 weeks.
Thank you in advance
I was a solo 67 year old female Carminoways was wonderful . Book rooms make sure your comfortable with distance and have them bring your luggage from place to placeHello again,
I'm planning my walk with a friend but incase she can't join me I'm wondering if I should prebook all accommodation and/or pay for an organised trip.
I will be walking for 5 weeks.
Thank you in advance
Hi SamanthaThis is really helpful.
I don't want to pre book or have to comply to an organised trip.
I have never done this before and feeling a bit nervous.
I am on a timescale due to work restrictions but I also want to enjoy the experience and be able to take a break.
I'm walking in May, so hopefully accommodation will be available when I get there. Apparently I snore (?) So for the wellbeing of other Pilgrims, I'm happy to pay more for a single room, if that's even an option. Otherwise, I will bring multiple packs of foam ear buds
I'm walking solo now Camino Frances. You won't have any trouble finding a bedHello again,
I'm planning my walk with a friend but incase she can't join me I'm wondering if I should prebook all accommodation and/or pay for an organised trip.
I will be walking for 5 weeks.
Thank you in advance
I would humbly add, get the best earplugs for yourself, personal use. Try them out with a loud movie or in a construction zone. And prepare yourself for some startling encounter. As a snorer myself, I've been shaken awake, had earplugs pelted at me (while sleeping) & given a loud Good Morning at 5:30 am disreguarding other sleepers. I've done my best to book private rooms but sometimes it can't be done. Also there are snorer rooms in the really big hostels!@Samantha77, If you would prefer a single room then a little pre-booking, and some research, is going to be necessary. While there is plenty of Albergue / Bunk-room accommodation along the Frances single room / private facility sort of stuff does come at a bit of a premium. https://www.gronze.com/camino-frances is a great resource for seeing the range of accommodations available along the Frances and you have time to consider what your daily stages might be and where you might lie your "quiet" head. A big bag of ear buds might make you some friends should you find yourself in an Albergue. You may also find you'll need them for your own peace and quiet. It is a well known fact that all the snorers in the world congregate on the Camino Frances in the season so that they can compete for the "MISA", "Most Impressive Snorer Award".
SamanthaHello again,
I'm planning my walk with a friend but incase she can't join me I'm wondering if I should prebook all accommodation and/or pay for an organised trip.
I will be walking for 5 weeks.
Thank you in advance
My best tip is a slight tangent on this topic. You don’t have to follow the stages of the guidebooks! I think this is part of what leads to the bottleneck in accommodations. Get a bed in the town before the next big stop where “everyone” is heading or after, or even halfway there! Buen CaminoHello again,
I'm planning my walk with a friend but incase she can't join me I'm wondering if I should prebook all accommodation and/or pay for an organised trip.
I will be walking for 5 weeks.
Thank you in advance
Exactly this. Also do not pre-book the lot, I booked each place one day ahead and it worked fine. That way I could adjust my distance each day based on how I felt and I stayed in some lovely placesMy best tip is a slight tangent on this topic. You don’t have to follow the stages of the guidebooks! I think this is part of what leads to the bottleneck in accommodations. Get a bed in the town before the next big stop where “everyone” is heading or after, or even halfway there! Buen Camino
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